Vinyl fencing is becoming increasingly popular with residential homeowners. They are continuously picking vinyl fence for installation over other metal or wood fences. This is mostly attributed to the ruggedness and longevity that vinyl material can provide.
Unlike natural fencing material, vinyl fencing doesn’t succumb to environmental conditions. This is especially relevant in Minnesota climate conditions where all four seasons can hit your fence extremely hard. Without a vinyl fence and proper maintenance, our climate can cost you time and money years down the road.
Another benefit for homeowners with vinyl fences is they don’t need to be painted or sanded down. It may seem like vinyl fencing is maintenance-free, and while this is technically true, there are lots of tips and maintenance recommendations to help your fence stay strong and last longer.
To find out the best ways to enhance the long lifespan of your vinyl fence, check out our recommendations for a few simple steps to take in your vinyl fence maintenance. If you need help, you can call 763-316-4881 or use the form to receive a free quote!
To keep your vinyl fence looking sparkly it is recommended you clean it about once every year. During the peak of the season, when there is lots of pollen or snow, you may need to clean more often.
You need to be careful when cleaning your vinyl fence as there are some solutions and processes that can damage the fence. Cleaning solutions like bleach can dry out and degrade the material as well as harm surrounding plants and patios.
Abrasive cleaning solutions, melamine, or scouring pads may also damage the surface of your fence. They can easily scratch and dull the sheen and gloss surface of a vinyl fence. In reality, cleaning a vinyl fence does not require any complicated solutions or materials. For most cleaning processes, you just need some common and cheap household items and water.
For a light cleaning of dirt or dust, all you need is water. You can use your garden hose and simply spray down the fence. If you want a more thorough clean, a bucket of warm soapy water can do the trick as well.
Mildew and algae are the most common ailments that are found on vinyl fences, although this is still significantly less common than a wood fence. These can be green, yellow, or black patches and are more prevalent in moist or wet environments.
For these stains, soap and water will not do the trick. Even if the mildew comes off, there is a high chance it will grow back because soap does not kill the source. To keep these stains away you may need to use white vinegar or a similar, but stronger, cleaning solution.
To make the right cleaning solution for mildew, use one cup of vinegar and half a cup of dish detergent for every gallon of water. Mix the solution well and use something big, like a sponge, to scrub off the stains. Make sure to wear rubber gloves and goggles if you use strong solutions.
The best way to deal with mildew on a vinyl fence is to use preventative strategies. These include keeping the grass trimmings off your fence and keeping the fence as dry as possible in the wetter seasons.
Inspecting your vinyl fence is the best way to avoid long-term damage. You should plan a regular inspection schedule for your fence, we recommend at least once a year. During wet seasons or bad weather, you may want to increase the number of inspections you have. If you spot damage early you can make quick repairs to prevent the situation from becoming worse.
Vinyl fence inspection is fairly easy. Simply walk around your fence and check for any damage or stains that may be harmful. Pay attention to the vinyl cap posts and ensure they are firmly attached and not damaged. It is not uncommon for a tree branch or baseball to knock a cap loose.
While vinyl fencing can withstand the extreme heat of the sun, it is not recommended to put a direct heat source, such as an outside heater, near your vinyl fence. The direct and intense heat can warp your vinyl fencing and may cause irreparable damage.
Do not paint your vinyl fence. Vinyl is not a material that is meant to hold the components of paint. Not only do you risk harming your fence, but it also will not look aesthetically pleasing. If you get tired of the color of your fence, you will need to replace it with new vinyl material.
Repairing a cracked vinyl fence is a relatively simple process but requires many materials you may not easily find in your home. You will need the following items:
The first step is to clean the area around the crack with soapy water and let it dry completely. Sand the area of the crack to get rid of sharp edges of vinyl that may have popped up. Then, for larger holes or cracks, fill it with expandable foam. Go slow and let the foam expand outside of the hole and let it dry overnight.
The next day, cut off the excess foam and level the surface before applying plastic filler and sanding out any of the excesses. For non-white fences, after this is done, apply a coat of Epoxy paint to finish off the fence repair.
However, this can be a tedious task and not one that many homeowners want to do in their free time so we highly recommend simply hiring a professional company to do it for you.
Northland Fence of Apple Valley is the #1 ranked fencing company in the state of Minnesota, proven by our hundreds of 5-star reviews on sites like Google, Yelp, and Angi. We are the best in the business and you can trust us with your vinyl fence maintenance or repair needs.
We work around your schedule and find a time that is convenient for you and your home life. All our contractors are in-house. They’re trained to uphold and maintain the high standards and qualities that we expect from our fence maintenance and repair team.
Don’t worry about your fence any longer than you have to, let us do the upkeep and help make sure your fence will stand tall for several years to come.
How long do vinyl fences last?
When they are properly maintained, vinyl fences can last decades. On average they stand tall for over 30 years which is far longer than any type of wood fence.
How do you weatherproof a vinyl fence?
Vinyl fences, being made of plastic, are naturally weather and waterproof. You won’t need to spend extra money on this process like you would for wood or other natural fence materials.
Does climbing vinyl fence damage it?
Vinyl fencing is able to withstand more climbing than other fence types. However, human climbing still carries the risk of damage no matter the type of fence you have.
Whether you’re looking for a beautiful, maintenance-free vinyl privacy fence, a sturdy chain link fence, or a ornamental fence, we’re ready to show you why we’re Minnesota’s highest and best rated fence company.
Use this form to request a free estimate or call us at 763-316-4881.
Northland Fence Company Apple Valley
6275 147th St. W Suite 102
Apple Valley, MN, 55124
Monday: 9 AM–5 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM–5 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM–5 PM
Thursday: 9 AM–5 PM
Friday: 9 AM–5 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
